After viewing the various resources on both personal learning networks and digital identities, I realize the prevalence of online networking and digital presences for modern individuals through all aspects of their lives. This omni-present network, “of our preferred people, digital devices, information sources and services, both online and offline,” is a central piece of a personal learning network (University of South Hampton para 1). Using the combined network of our own acquaintances and educational or informational connections allows us to learn what it is we want to learn by whatever means is most accessible and impactful to that goal. As such, we are motivated to participate instances of public “professional networking” because this “ability to find and to connect with relevant others” is necessary to get things done (Rajagopal et al. para 1).
More prevalent now than ever before with greater calls for remote work and distanced learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, such networking is a central component of modern life. When viewed through the lens of intention, any interaction, where “someone makes a connection with the particular purpose of learning and gaining information from that person,” can be defined as part of a personal learning network (Gutierrez para 6). Interestingly, this also applies to networking through the use of social media. When using social media sites to remain connected with friends, co-workers, customers, clients, family, or other individuals, these vital connections become instrumental to our PLNs. Through social media applications like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and countless platforms, we are now able to share with, relate to, and learn from one another like never before. Of course, the great rewards posed by these public forms of communication also come with the fair share of risks. Chiefly, there is a great concern over privacy violations when posting, sharing, and interacting online in the digital spaces of social media networking. When understood through the construct that “the future is only going to be more networked, [and] more interwoven,” these risks will only be further compounded by the constant use and prevalence of such networks going forward (Boyd para 12).
When focusing in on the potential risks and opportune rewards to be found through networking online, the concept of the digital identity—defined by Eric Stoller as “your presence online”—is essential to the analysis of PLNs and social media use (University of Derby). When understood as the amalgamation of everything you post, share, like as well as how you interact online, one’s digital identity is guided by a number of approaches and classifications. For example, those who use social media for the sole purpose of professional development via networking will convey themselves as organized, responsible, dependable, and focused, whereas those with a digital identity more geared toward personal social media use may depict their interests, opinions, political views, or personal lives far more freely. Everything done online is part of this digital identity—and, as such, can be viewed and interpreted by external parties.
In regard to networked publics, digital identities are likewise incredibly important in promoting societal or political inclusion, demonstrating a protection of rights, and promoting transparency. Perhaps most influential, some impacts of the convergence of digital identities can drive economic growth. As Chairman James Manyika notes, “countries implementing good use of digital identity could create economic value equivalent to 3-6 percent of GDP on average by 2030” (World Economic Forum). This economic potential is directly linked to governments and nations working to emphasize that digital identities be protected, secured, and operating with user privacy in mind for those engaging in social media and other online networks globally.
References:
Boyd, Danah. “Networked Privacy.” Surveillance & Society, vol. 10, no. 3/4, 2012, pp. 348-350.
Gutierrez, Karla. “What Personal learning Networks?” Shift Disruptive Learning, 21 Jun. 2016, www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
Rajagopal, Kamakshi, Desiree Joosten-ten Brinke, Jan Van Bruggen, and Peter B. Sloep. “Understanding Personal Learning Networks: Their Structure, Content and the Networking Skills Needed to Optimally Use Them.” First Monday, 27 Dec. 2011, firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3559/3131. Accessed 15 September 2021.
University of Derby. “Eric Stoller – What is Digital Identity?” YouTube, 25 Nov. 2016, youtu.be/u0RryRbJza0. Accessed 15 September 2021.
University of South Hampton. “What is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)?” Future Learn, www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
World Economic Forum. “Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for Global Economy and Society.” YouTube, 5 Feb. 2019, youtu.be/1-V7lyxrOmw. Accessed 15 Sept. 2021.
liding wang
Thank you for sharing, it is a very good blog! From your sharing, we can better understand the importance of personal learning networks and digital identities in our lives, especially since the outbreak of COVID-19 has allowed us to use more. At the same time, their role is not only for our users but also for economic development. I have learned some knowledge from your sharing, thank you!
spadger
I agree that Digital space will indeed make our life much more convenient, meanwhile, can also invade our privacy. I also hope that it is particularly important for Internet companies to strengthen network security management, operations, and decision-making when humans come into a digital society.
valerieyq
Hello Ruobing, nice to read your blog. In your blog, you pointed out that during the pandemic, the Internet gradually became the core part of people’s life. I agree with you very much. Before the pandemic, the Internet may only be an auxiliary tool for people to socialize. However, after the emergence of the pandemic, people have reduced the number of times they go out for safety, which means that the network will be the main way for them to exchange information and emotions.
caroline
I couldn’t agree with you more as the internet seemed to be the only way we could communicate during the pandemic. It is also because of this that we have a deeper understanding and knowledge of online teaching, as we have been learning all through the internet all year. We also learned about the benefits and drawbacks of online teaching